• Culture & Travel

Gauri Khan, On Her New Experience Centre In Delhi, Her Favourite Spot At Home, and Great Décor Advice

She recently opened doors to the by-appointment only centre, and it’s a dream home come true.
  • ByRadhika Bhalla

Celebrity interior designer Gauri Khan at her new Experience Centre in New Delhi.

We are sitting in a bedroom imagined by interior designer Gauri Khan in her brand-new, eponymous Experience Centre in the capital, and she is getting ready for the camera to give an interview. There’s a flurry of activity around her—on one hand, a narration of a busy schedule for the next day; on the other, a quick make-up touch up. Gauri, however, is calm, centred through it all. The camera begins to roll, and, almost on cue, a burst of golden hour sunshine streams in from a window, casting a glow that captures her grounded glamour.

That, in essence, is one way to describe the décor aesthetics of her brand, Gauri Khan Designs. In her own words, it’s “timeless luxury with a contemporary twist”, which has been translated in the expansive, two-storied Experience Centre, tucked away in a verdant lane in south Delhi. Here, you won’t find over-the-top or kitschy elements for your home. What you will find, instead, is a taste for quiet luxury with hints of quirk…a lamp stand made entirely of books, and a television easel with a large bird carved on top. There are Baroque style paintings with gold patina and Art Deco inspired cabinets; plush throws and sofa sets in abstract shapes. And, of course, there is a range of lights and chandeliers that Gauri considers the very foundation of a beautiful room.

In conversation with The Word. Magazine, Gauri Khan reveals what embodies her own design aesthetic; simple tricks to easily elevate any room; the colours, cities, and artists she is drawn to; the favourite spot in her own home in Mumbai; what her favourite home purchase is; and more…

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A living room arrangement, designed on the first floor of the Gauri Khan Designs Experience Centre

The Word.: Tell us about your new Experience Centre in New Delhi.

Gauri Khan: “The Delhi Experience Centre is not a showroom; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of my design philosophy. I wanted to create an immersive, by-appointment only environment that feels like stepping into a curated home, where every corner tells a story and every texture evokes emotion. It’s a space where elegance meets ease, and luxury feels personal.”

TW.: What makes this Experience Centre unique?

GK: “The emphasis on by-appointment only interactions allows for our clients to spend time at leisure to really go through the details, in depth. Along with that, our design team is right by their side to help them realise their design vision for their dream homes. We have created a space that speaks to a lifestyle that our luxury clients will understand, and would want to recreate in their own homes. It is interactive and engaging without being over-the-top…we truly want our clients to bring their own design vision to the table so that we can then help them see it to completion, with our own team of experts.”

TW.: Do you feel that the décor aesthetics in New Delhi is different from Mumbai?

GK: “Each city has its own, unique design language and style, which is what makes launching in new markets all the more interesting. I do find both Delhi and Bombay to be very knowledgeable and glamorous in their tastes, so it’s a pleasure working with clients across both cities.”

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A study room on the ground floor, with an abstract-shaped table that boasts gilded details

TW.: What is the favourite part of your own home, and why?

GK: “Being by the poolside has always been a de-stressor for me…the sound of the water instantly calms me.”

TW.: Which are your favourite artists?

GK: “Too many to name, but I really do love what Indian artists are currently creating. My favourites are Bharati Kher and Subodh Gupta from India.”

TW.: How do you like to play with art?

GK: “Art instantly elevates and completes a space. It brings together all the other elements and provides a cohesive finish to the design story. I often like to play around with both modern Masters and contemporary art in the same space, with a healthy dose of sculpture and mixed media, to create a truly stunning visual effect.”

TW.: How do you like to play with colour?

GK: “I veer towards more neutral colour palettes like grey, white, and mustard as I like to juxtapose striking art works and furniture pieces against more neutral walls. This, according to me, is the ideal way to avoid clutter.”

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Thre are artworks on display, too, in collaboration with gallery Nature Morte

TW.: Which is your favourite piece at the Experience Centre?

GK: “The sculptural console with horse-head detailing is a personal favourite. Horses symbolise grace, strength, and fluidity, and I wanted that sense of movement and poise to anchor the space. It’s more than a console, it’s a narrative piece.”

TW.: What is your one trick to elevating the living room? Is it lighting, a painting, or a statement element?

GK: “Everything plays an important role, but I feel lighting, especially, is key… It’s the silent storyteller of every space. Whether it’s a statement chandelier, a wash of warm light across textured walls, or just a humble lamp, lighting sets the emotional tone. You can transform a room without moving a single piece of furniture if the lighting is right.”

TW.: How has the Indian consumer changed over the years when it comes to doing up their home?

GK: “Clients are now much savvier, as they’re so much better travelled and informed. They’re also fully invested in what they want for their homes, and have very specific tastes. Also, technology is playing a growing role in homes, and this is something that almost all my clients are keen to incorporate throughout their homes… In fact, that is a big shift.”

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Gauri Khan at her new Experience Centre

TW.: What was the last piece of décor you bought for your own home?

GK: “I’m always buying candles! They’re an easy and happy purchase.”

TW.: At home, does everyone like to do up their own rooms?

GK: “Some do and some don’t. It’s all very personality driver.”

TW.: Is there any city—in India or the world—that inspires you in terms of architecture and design?

GK: ‘Milan, Paris, Rome…and many in India. We are rich in artisanship and handicrafts, something that we, as designers, should all draw inspiration from, every day.”

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Plush soft furnishings add to the charm

TW.: What is the best way to incorporate white into one’s interiors without it getting dirty?

GK: “Use textured white fabrics as they stain less easily. And coat your fabrics with stain proof products as an extra precaution!”

TW.: How would you describe your own décor aesthetic?”

GK: ‘Timeless luxury with a contemporary twist—warm neutrals, rich textures, handcrafted details, and just the right hint of glamour.” 

TW.: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

GK: If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Mumbai, obviously, because my family is there…and, of course, Delhi is always in my heart.

All images: Courtesy Gauri Khan Designs